All Arts. All the Time.

We listen, learn, and share in appreciation of being alive. We are not perfect. But we believe in open minds and hearts...
​the HocTok Team

Soaring Together

Ryan Judd

Ryan Judd is a Billboard Chart Topping recording artist. He is an internationally known music therapist as well as a guitarist and composer. Listen to Ryan Judd’s music on your favorite music streaming platform. Do it right now and anytime you need to chill, meditate, or escape any sort of mental or emotional clutter. Ryan’s music is soothing and good for the soul. It can be easily considered an essential necessity in our modern lives.

​Ryan is part of that amazing tribe of creative people who are true to their emotions, generous, welcoming, and interested in learning any chance they get. Read our conversation with Ryan to understand his creative journey and inspirations. Tap into your heart and let the tears roll if necessary and make sure to play Ryan’s music often.  

No Boundaries

Nailah Howze

Nailah Howze, also known as Cloud Nai, a native of Los Angeles, is a multifaceted artist. She is mostly known for her photography right now but her talents include music, event production and film. Her photography is gripping for it captures the unfiltered originality of real people whose lives deserve to be highlighted and celebrated. 
Nailah’s photography presents layers of stories, lives and characters that get the viewers’ full attention for all the right reasons in today's busy world. Nailah's ambition and dedication fuels her artistic spirit. She is a force to be reckoned with and we are here to cheer her on as she keeps reaching higher with good energy and a genuine smile. 

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That Distinct Atmosphere

Roger Aplon

A conversation with poet and writer Roger Aplon shows that embracing life in its natural hues helps when you are seeking purpose and joy. Roger is a poetic soul whose body of work presents a vibrant landscape of his life’s journey. Dare yourself to follow in this poet's footsteps by maintaining a healthy sense of adventure while also investing time and energy in your passions. Connect with a talented author who never shies away from  complexity, while also adopting various styles of writing with rich colors and vitality. 

Aplon says, “I don’t intentionally write ‘themed’ books but rather arrange my collections around the calendar: what has touched me, intrigued me, stimulated me – personally, politically and/or socially during this/that time.” There is plenty of amazing sights to see through the eyes of a writer who has dedicated his life to his craft and keeps finding joy in every passing moment because of it.
The Omnipotent Sorceror is one of Roger Aplon’s latest books but start with his talk with us for more. ​

No Secrets Allowed

Kana Wu

Kana Wu is a romance writer. No Romance Allowed and No Secrets Allowed are her two published books that have received great reviews by readers around the world. Kana initially planned to write mystery novels. Then she had a change of heart and wrote two captivating romance books. Check them out!
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Kana’s ideas keep flowing every hour of day and night. Another book is in the works. It will not be part of the storyline she has presented so far. Isn't it exciting to be waiting for more good writing by a familiar voice?
Talking to Kana Wu makes it clear that a writer’s life is a never-ending exploration of ideas and thoughts. Kana enjoys her daily activities as she keeps jotting down notes that might end up as another readers’ top pick. 

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Choose Happiness

​Happiness is a choice. It is a statement that you should consider. You know Dalai Lama - of course you do. Do you know that he is one of the happiest people around? Do you care to hear how he achieves happiness? Then read his six tips to happiness and follow his advice.
 
1- Be Truthful
2- Don’t fall prey to anger and hatred
3- Overcome negative thoughts
4- Develop Compassion
5- Nurture your spiritual nature
6- Adjust your perspective

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Photo credit: Daria Shevtsova

Meet Abby Haliti, the Celebrity Hair Stylist to Know​

​Being authentic is crucial. My "less is more" philosophy is what I go by.

Abby Haliti, the celebrity hair colorist with whom we connected over the holidays, talks to us as if we had known each other for a long time. Her warmth is free of filters and it is exactly what we are all starved for during this long period of isolation. Speaking with Abby, it becomes clear why she has made a name for herself. She is very talented, dedicated, and genuine. Abby’s life journey is a fairy tale that will inspire anyone. But for now, it will suffice to say that all obstacles and difficulties she has faced have made her stronger.

Photo: courtesy of the artist
Abby Haliti is a top-tier expert in her field. She is a generous soul with the skills and commitment to make us look and feel our best. Her lovely presence is a gift that keeps on giving. 
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Turning in Time

Debra Kaye

Music has always helped me steer through hard times and find comfort and peace. Composing also puts me in touch with my spirituality and intuition. Sometimes I jokingly say - music is my religion, I practice it. 

These are the words of Debra Kaye, an award-winning New York composer whose music is relevant and rich in eclectic sounds. Kaye’s body of work draws inspiration from classical to jazz and beyond including her training in Dalcroze Eurhythmics. The composer is not only an observer of current events but she communicates and reacts to it all through her music. Debra Kaye is thinker with a big heart whose musical achievements serve as a fitting testament to the power of her music making abilities and talent. 

Photo: courtesy of the artist
Kaye’s Turning in Time gets its world premiere in a special release by talented violinist and HocTok friend, Kinga Augustyn. Kinga Augustyn’s record, also titled, Turning in Time will be a great addition to your music library and it is something you will enjoy time and time again.  
 
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Celebrating Alvin Singleton 

Project 80

Happy 2021! Start the New Year with our special concert: Momenta Quartet performing Alvin Singleton.

​Alvin Singleton is the name of one of the most brilliant American composers you need to know. His music and his energy make the world a better place. On December 28, 2020, we celebrated Alvin Singleton’s 80th birthday in a very special way. Yes, there was a Zoom party but it was like none other you’ve attended all year long. Every participant was in a celebratory mood contributing to the overall atmosphere that was just perfect. The guest of honor, Alvin Singleton, was truly and happily surprised to see so many of his friends smiling and cheering for him. 
Enjoy the concert here and the film here
Lisa Cooper, Alvin Singleton’s wife and masterful planner of beautiful surprises, was elated and proud. We also streamed a film with highlights of Alvin’s life through his music, words, and birthday wishes. It was a night to remember honoring the one and only: Alvin Singleton. 

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5 Reasons to Buy & Read Prostituta

​1. Travel to a different time & place with characters facing relatable struggles.
2. Read different definitions of despair & ways of dealing with it. 
3. Learn about survival & existential crises of various depths. 
4. Be reminded that greed can be detrimental if left unchecked.
5. Keep the faith & preserve peace in any way, shape or form.

​Prostituta is a magnificent collection of stories by celebrated Albanian writer, Teodor Keko. Written between the late '80s to mid '90s, these seventeen tales – all of which have been translated into English for the first time – continue to remain relevant to this day. They display Keko’s complex world and unrivaled ability to see and seek the truth to help mankind learn from past mistakes. Keko’s stories range from humorous trips into strange existences to bittersweet tales of loss, from oppressive drills in utter despair to a lavish selection of human madness with a side of dark humor.
Prostituta in its entirety offers a glimpse into the beautiful mind of a masterful writer whose ability to interpret the human struggles and moments of light will get any reader’s attention. 

​About the Author: Teodor Keko was born in Tirana, Albania on September 2, 1958. He completed his studies in Language & Literature and began his literary career in 1979. He continued working fervently until 2002 when, sadly, he lost his fight against pancreatic cancer. Teodor Keko built a well-known and widely respected profile as a public figure writing, creating, and being actively involved in progressive movements for a democratic society. Throughout his career, Teodor Keko was known as a thinker who never lost touch with real problems. What distinguished him was his concern for the common man. Teodor Keko’s name is well recognized and highly respected to this day, years after his passing. His published works, six books of poetry, and a dozen fiction books have earned a long list of awards while the author was alive and posthumously.

Sola

Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti

Sola is the title of the newest project that Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti shares with the world on this crisp December morning. It includes beautiful new music for viola and electronics performed by Anne and written by Icelandic composer, Anna Thorvaldsdottir.

In addition to the music, you will also get a chance to listen to a conversation between Anne, who commissioned the work as well as performed it, and Anna, the composer. You will learn about the composer's journey, process, and the music itself.
According to the composer, “Sola is inspired by abstract structural elements of solitariness in the midst of turmoil—by the desire of calm and focus in chaos.”  ​As far as we are concerned, Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti is the artist whose music, words, and presence you need to make sense of whatever life throws your way. Buy and listen to Anne's and Anna's Sola and share it with loved ones to fill their buckets and yours. Enjoy! 

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A Discerning Eye

Carol Orange

Today is a brand new day for you to let go of your emotions and reach out for a good book, a mystery novel to read and enjoy. A Discerning Eye by Carol Orange is what we recommend. The story is linked to the shocking robbery at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. There is an amazing main character with a fantastic name: Portia Malatesta. Psychological profiling of the alleged mastermind behind the heist will keep you at the edge of your seat. You will read about FBI getting involved and Portia taking risky trips to the underworld of Medellin, Colombia. A Discerning Eye will give you a glimpse of a complicated web of politics, pride and ugly crimes, and it's all much better than reality TV.

Carol Orange is one of the most knowledgeable people in the art world and one of the nicest. She was an art dealer in New York, a gallery owner in Boston, an art book editor in London, a scholar in Paris and an explorer of beauty everywhere. She is one of the most exquisite people you will ever meet. 
Carol has a soft spot for exotic places. She has friends all over the world because of her unique ability to connect with people of all backgrounds. Carol Orange is a storyteller whose writing you will fall in love with, and isn't that the best thing to do on a wonderful autumn day like today? 

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XHOANA X

Inside her Castle while in Quarantine

Xhoana X is the singer-songwriter whose recently self-released song titled Castle is hauntingly beautiful and downright heartbreaking. Listen to Xhoana X’s sound and lyrics. Close your eyes. Get lost in the stream emotions that her music awakens and revives from the depths of your soul. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the saying goes. But some people’s beauty is undeniable as their inner light shines through in everything they do. Xhoana X is part of that tribe of fierce and enchanting humans whose presence is always in high demand for all they create and share with us. 

​If you have felt sad, lost, or totally confused recently, you’re not alone, now more than ever before. Still, do your best to keep hope alive and surround yourself with good people and creative energy. Let our conversation with Xhoana X serve as an intro to an amazing human whose music sips through the shadows of our collective sadness and lifts us up. 

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On My Own

Shamir

Shamir is a multihyphenate artist  whose newest song On My Own has captivated many including us. His sound and lyrics are everything at this moment in time. Listen to his entire output. You’ll have plenty of reasons to fall in love with Shamir’s talent and appreciate the introvert with a big heart whose natural ability to connect with the wide world is easily felt through his music.
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​We are looking forward to his newest album scheduled for release in the fall. Until then, let Shamir's On My Own set the mood for the days ahead and read our conversation with him here. 

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Photo: courtesy of the artist

Marco Jemolo

Framed

Marco Jemolo is the man behind Framed. He is a filmmaker whose works strike a chord with audiences around the globe. It must have something to do with his grasp of reality and his original renderings of storylines that connect us all. 

​Our conversation with Marco highlights a few definitive characteristics of a modern day visionary with timeless ideas and a serious level of determination. Marco enjoys communicating and sharing the spotlight with his collaborators. He wants everyone who works with him to feel inspired and involved. He creates works that have meaning and are easily embraced by many. Get to know Marco Jemolo through his passions, plans and new friendships. 

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A Jazz Musician's Life in Lockdown & Beyond

Kerry Politzer

Kerry Politzer is a Portland-based jazz pianist, composer, educator and mom. She is part of the music faculty at Portland State University and University of Portland. It is not surprising that music is the epicenter of her life especially during these difficult days. In recent weeks, Kerry's main activities have included making and sharing music, staying in touch with her students via Zoom and keeping busy with a project to honor some legendary Brazilian jazz musicians. Although making Jell-O and cutting paper numbers or cooking and taking a walk have also been part of the mix. Finding ways to stay optimistic is a commonly shared goal now. 

​Photo: courtesy of the artist
​Buy and listen to Kerry Politzer's music who has released six albums. Learn more about this talented musician, how she dealt with lockdown restrictions, and what her plans and wishes are for better days ahead. You may end up baking chocolate chip brownies and listening to jazz and that would be nice, wouldn't it? ​

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Words... Fire... ACTION... FIGHT NOW!

by Khari Joyner

...Now more than ever, I implore people to make a TRUE bridge between alliance and intersectionality. Fight for the rights of LGBTQ+, women of color, people with disabilities, people who need YOU to join them in alliance to fight the good fight. It’s a long road, a painful one.. but also we are taking strides.. there is a future, a bright future ahead, when we come together like we are doing today, as ironic as it may seem during a global pandemic… we come together to recognize that we FIGHT WITH WORDS. FIGHT WITH FIRE. FIGHT WITH ACTION… FIGHT NOW.

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Photo: courtesy of the artist

My Beautiful People

by Arisa White

We take solace in the words of our spiritual Goddess, Nina Simone who has said, “An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times.”
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Take a deep breath and read the reflections of one of our favorite poets, Arisa White.

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Photo credit: Samantha Florio

Eric Mack

Digital Emotions

...There’s a lot of creativity, a lot of people doing a lot of great things. But even with that there’s a lot of division. From large scale, to the local division, it’s the core, it kind of impedes growth. The focus should be about closing up the gaps. Working on vices is what slows down growth. Division is something we oughta work on. 
Moving on to a larger scale, love, that what I’d like to see. There’s a lot of separation. A lot of division. Love, I know it’s possible. We are all humans. I want to see more open heart and more understanding. It’s not all about the exterior. Skin doesn’t make a difference. I want people trying to come together. Let’s work together. We have to understand each other a little more. It’s definitely possible.
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Let’s make it happen!

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Finding the Truth Through Writing

Marissa Glover

Marissa Glover is a creator whose work and words are relevant and meaningful, especially because they are sincere and heartfelt. She is a performance poet, an educator, a mother whose world evolves around love. Marissa is talented and busy with numerous projects but none of her achievements or responsibilities have changed her. She remains humble and kind. She is someone you need to listen to if you are at loss of words over what’s going on around you or in the world at large. Enjoy our conversation with her, and take this opportunity to know Marissa Glover. She offers advice and honest opinions that we all need to pay attention to in order to help ourselves and one another. 

Photo: courtesy of the artist
Find a comfortable nook or go out in nature and read something worthy. Get to know Marissa Glover, her poetry, and a sneak peak of her world. You will be inspired and motivated. Read here one of her latest poems and be ready for her forthcoming poetry collection "Let Go of the Hands You Hold". ​

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Counting the Small Joys & Cherishing Every Day

Jihyun Yun

Photo: courtesy of the artist
Jihyun Yun is a poet and a poetic soul. What she writes is important and enjoyable as it flows from a place of honest feelings and true love. Jihyun is the author of an upcoming publication titled "Some Are Always Hungry". She defines her book as “a love song to my mother and my grandmother and all the women before who I passed through to arrive in this world as I am” and that dedication alone merits attention. Jihyun’s poetry will help you have a good day so read her work and get her book the first chance you get.
 
On this Monday, try to do something nice to help a fellow human being. You'll find it rewarding on many levels. Jihyun Yun concentrates on uplifting fellow late 2019/ 2020 authors who have had their book tours disrupted by the pandemic. 
Whatever battles you are facing, avoid getting stuck in webs of negative energy. Do as Jihyun does and start growing vegetables or start a herb garden instead. Let in the sun and always follow a wise mother’s advice to “be good” each morning. Jihyun Yun's interview and poetry will help you jumpstart your week.
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#NYlights

#NYlights is our series showcasing real New Yorkers who deserve a standing ovation. They are business owners, creators, artists, makers whose realities have turned upside down in recent weeks. Despite the difficult situation and high level of uncertainty, everyone we feature here hopes and does whatever possible to keep the NY Lights on. We need to be reminded of New York's resiliency now more than ever. If you wish to nominate a wonderful New Yorker to be added to our #NYlights, send us a note. Cheers to hope and better days ahead for NYC and the world!

Santo Brúklin

A New Family Owned Restaurant Amidst Shutdown

"Hello. We are Pedro, Naina, and Sara. We are family, friends, transplants, and recently, the new owners of Santo Brúklin. Pedro and Naina grew up as cousins who were more like siblings in Rio de Janeiro and Sara comes from a small town called Sweet Home, Oregon. We met by chance a few years back (Sara & Pedro got married two years ago) and have always had this idea in the back of our minds to open our own bar-restaurant. A few months ago an opportunity came around that we couldn’t resist, and Santo Bruklin was born. 

Santo Brúklin Staff

We opened the same weekend that Governor Cuomo announced the shutdown. We’ve been so fortunate to be welcomed by our new neighbors, and the support from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve been keeping busy and staying focused on the future - whatever it brings. Staying afloat is not without challenges. Although we love each other’s company, we miss the ease of socializing in NYC. ​​The spontaneous plans with friends; crowding into bars to watch the latest Drag Race episode; days spent exploring new parts of the city - these are things we took for granted and things that we underestimated how much we’d miss. Until then, these brief interactions with our new customers are the light at the end of the tunnel. The humanity and compassion we’ve seen over the past 8 weeks have given us hope that our city will come out of this even stronger than before." #NYClights - May 11, 2020

Make a Lemon Tart and Ponder the Bigger Picture

Pastry Chef Nikolas Strangas

Nicholas Strangas is a passionate dessert chef based in Denmark although originally from Greece. He is an adventurer at heart. He loves experimenting with different ingredients and techniques for some really awesome sweet treats. Maybe getting to know Nicholas Strangas and drooling over his desserts will inspire you to try a new recipe. How about his lemon tart?

Somewhere it's rainy today. It might be cold where you are. Sunny anywhere? Good. Think of a beautiful summer in Mykonos where you may run into Nicholas if things turn back to normal soon. Dream of a trip to Denmark as another great destination and home to Nicholas Strangas. Make the acquaintance of a talented gent who has a great personality and can whip up delicious treats like it's no big deal. ​

Photo: courtesy of the artist
Choose to be in a dessert state of mind and start the week on a sweet note. Enjoy!

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The Fort - a new book for kids of all ages

Laura Perdew

Laura Perdew is a writer, an educator, and also a builder of forts and all kinds of magical worlds. Her most recent book is titled The Fort. It is a great read for kids and parents alike. Buy a copy of Laura’s latest book and begin your own adventures in forts built indoors or outdoors. Be creative and do the best you can with any materials you have around you.
 
Pause worrying about the difficulties we are facing, listen to Laura Perdew’s advice and remind yourself that this is a great opportunity for families to come together to play games, dance, draw, paint, play music, and cook together.  As The Fort’s author says, “Whatever you do – disconnect and be together.”
Before you turn off your computers, tablets, and phones, enjoy Laura Perdew’s interview, and plan your week by getting inspired to build your fort whether on a piece of paper or in the living room. 

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Voice Our Values More Than Our Fears

Francesca Borgo

Francesca Borgo is a visual artist hailing from Trieste. She tells us that art gives her purpose and courage. That’s impressive to hear especially coming from someone like Francesca. Her accumulated professional experiences include a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and various jobs in the fields of psychology and later marketing. Francesca Borgo turned to art at a certain point in her life and she has never looked back.  
That begs the question, are the arts helping us during these trying times? How are you coping with everything at the moment? What are some lessons learned from these challenging days? 

Photo: courtesy of the artist
We are all struggling with these questions and more, but it is people like Francesca Borgo who help us find meaning through their work and conversations. Seek a calm state of mind and pin Francesca's words, “I love to think that this crisis will encourage us to give voice to our values much more than to our fears..."

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Greatness...

...my assignment: how do I understand greatness? What will it take to achieve it? And right now, I don't know. I am a little bit overwhelmed by all the usage of "great" "greater" "greatest" or "greatness". I'm tired of hearing these words. Maybe I've heard them said at the wrong time by the wrong people. 
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Maybe deep down I know I'll never do anything great and that's why I don't know what to say about 'greatness'. Maybe that's why I can only focus on small things that can be good and helpful. Maybe I'm more interested in relevance rather than greatness in these days of complete uncertainty. The most relevant actors in today's crazy reality are the ones who will pinpoint the connecting dots of greatness in the name of our common humanity. Those who act decisively and selflessly, keeping their cool under mounting  pressure, will define greatness. We better take note and follow their lead.

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Photo credit: Triangle News

Imagined Realities

Alaba Onajin

​Alaba Onajin is one of the artists chosen for the Women in African History Project by UNESCO. The mission of the project is to educate children in Africa and also the world about the brave women who have helped shaped the progress and growth of the continent. What better choice than a young artist who has passion, vision, and tenacity to keep doing what he loves and forget about the nay sayers and negative energy of any kind.

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Anaïs Duplan

You Will Succeed

Photo credit: Yael Malka
Anaïs Duplan is the type of poet and writer whose works you want to read and re-read until his newest one is published. 

Get acquainted with Anaïs Duplan’s work and you will feel like you have a friend who’ll always keep the conversation flow with what’s true and real, intelligent and clear. At this moment Anaïs believes “getting more in touch with your emotions helps you connect with others in more genuine ways. Intimacy is such a magical thing, and then again, it’s so ordinary! If we can get out of the way of it, it happens so naturally.”

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In Pencil & Paper

Christelle Bilodeau

Christelle Bilodeau’s portfolio includes amazing pencil drawings of some fantastic artists such Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga and many more. Her artistry is undeniable and just take a look at her body of work for an introduction to her talent. Christelle’s portraits reflect a high level of precision, plenty of details and that that little something that captivates the essence of each individual who becomes the subject of her art pieces. 

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Amy Winehouse - Before Frank series
Pencils and colored pencils on 15'x20' paper
July 2016

Pencil drawing of Bob Dylan
Graphite pencils on  11'x14' paper
2012

Pencil drawing of Lady Gaga
Graphite pencils on 18'x24' paper
2016